Crews battling major woodlands fire in south NJ

DOWNE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Crews from the state Forest Fire Service are battling a blaze that has already consumed about 225 acres of woodlands in the Bevans Wildlife Management Area in southern New Jersey.

The fire began shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, spewing brownish smoke that could soon be seen for miles. But no injuries have been reported.

Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state’s Environmental Protection Department, tells The Press of Atlantic City (http://bit.ly/1gS4Jd1) that the fire in Downe Township will likely destroy anywhere from 500 to 1,000 acres of woodlands before it burns itself out.

Mayor Robert Campbell tells the newspaper that the land near the fire primarily belongs to the state and several sand plant companies. He said there are no residential properties in that area.

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Information from: The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.), http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com